Wayne Tilton Parker

Wayne Tilton Parker was born January 5, 1931 in Genoa, New York to Coral and Ruth (Tilton) Parker. Growing up during the depression, Wayne's family, like so many others, struggled to make ends meet. His father eventually found steady employment as a caretaker of a large estate in Auburn, New York, where Wayne learned the value of a dollar, of hard work, and of loyalty to a common goal.

Wayne attended Weedsport Central High School, and upon graduation, joined the National Guard, where he trained as a communications specialist. He earned the rank of Staff Sargent by the time he left the Guard in 1963. During that time, he also began working for General Electric in Auburn where he helped design the radar antenna for the nose of the Saber jet. In 1953, he and two friends relocated to Southern California. Shortly thereafter, he accepted a position with Hughes Aircraft Company, where he remained working as a Quality Assurance Engineer until his retirement in 1993.

In 1959 he met and married Patricia Murray. They settled in Buena Park, California, raising two children. In 1976, Hughes Aircraft transferred Wayne to their operations at Buckley Air Field in Aurora, and the family relocated to a 5 acre ranchette in Parker, Colorado. Wayne loved the rural lifestyle, and was an early adopter of the sustainable lifestyle. He also enjoyed hunting with friends and tinkering with an ever-changing collection of automobiles.

Wayne moved to Aurora, Colorado in 1984 and began attending Faith Presbyterian Church. He was a very active parishioner, volunteering in many different capacities, including usher and food bank aid. He also joined the church's Gideons chapter, routinely handing out Bibles to newly enlisted servicemen and women upon their initial deployment. Wayne was well-loved by his church family and developed many close friendships throughout the years. In particular, with one very special lady, Marie Engles, in 2011, who captured his heart until his death.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan, his son William, his beloved Marie and her wonderful family, his exceptional, long-time friend James Brown, and a host of other dear friends and colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Roger.